Dr. Richard Wallace, MD is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for older adults at Bayside Urgent Care Center in Clearwater, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Wallace's focus is on senior care, recognizing your family doctor as your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years. This includes coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. He serves adults, with a particular focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Dr. Wallace is currently welcoming new patients; please call (727) 242-9185 to schedule an appointment.
As a Family Medicine and Sports Medicine Physician, Dr. Wallace brings a wealth of experience to Bayside Urgent Care Center. He earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College and completed his residency training in Family Medicine at the USF/MPM Family Medicine Residency Program, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of adults, particularly those aging into and throughout their senior years. Furthering his expertise, he pursued fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Bayfront Medical Center. Dr. Wallace's experience encompasses urgent care, a critical aspect of senior care, and he is deeply invested in the wellbeing of his patients. He practices with a philosophy deeply rooted in providing exceptional care. Bayside Urgent Care Center, Inc., reflects this commitment, striving to be a leader in urgent care, delivering the same high-quality care he would provide to his own family. Dr. Wallace provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Richard Wallace is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Wallace is a compassionate and dedicated partner in navigating the health journey of seniors. He provides comprehensive family medicine care, focusing on the individual needs and goals of each patient. He skillfully manages chronic conditions and coordinates complex care, always prioritizing the patient's overall well-being and independence. Dr. Wallace's approach emphasizes a strong partnership with families, ensuring a holistic and supportive care experience.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Wallace can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Medicare
MultiPlan
Also Accepts These Carriers
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Richard Wallace provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Hypotension (Excluding Maternal): If you experience hypotension (low blood pressure), simple adjustments to your diet, medication, or daily routine, guided by your physician, can help you maintain your independence and feel your best.
- Limb Swelling: Swollen limbs can be a sign of several health issues, and addressing it promptly can help maintain your comfort and mobility.
- Heart Disease: Heart disease, a common concern as we age, involves problems with the heart's structure or function, but with proper treatment and care, you can often enjoy a full and active life.
- Esophagitis: If you're having trouble swallowing or experiencing chest pain after eating, you may have esophagitis. Fortunately, this condition often responds well to medication and lifestyle adjustments, allowing you to maintain your independence and enjoy daily life.
- Bedsores: Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, often affecting seniors who have limited mobility.
- Limb Pain: If you're struggling with limb pain, understanding its source is crucial for effective management. Your family doctor can work with you to determine the underlying issue and develop a tailored treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that causes joint pain and stiffness, often improving with simple strategies like regular exercise and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- High Cholesterol: High cholesterol often has no noticeable symptoms, but it's a serious condition that can lead to heart disease. Regular checkups and following your doctor's recommendations for diet and medication are crucial for preventing complications and maintaining your independence.
- Rash: A rash is an area of irritated or discolored skin that can be itchy, painful, or both, and it's important to have it checked by a doctor to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment to improve your comfort.
- Injuries: Managing injuries effectively involves understanding the type of injury, receiving appropriate medical care, and following a tailored rehabilitation plan to regain strength and mobility.
- Shortness of Breath: Experiencing shortness of breath? This is a common concern, especially as we age, but with your doctor's help, you can find relief and continue to live a fulfilling life.
- Hernia: Managing a hernia often involves lifestyle changes like avoiding heavy lifting, and in some cases, surgery to repair the weakened area and relieve symptoms.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Richard Wallace offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This test helps ensure your ongoing well-being by identifying the presence of the hepatitis C virus, a critical step in creating a personalized care plan for your liver health.
- Tuberculosis Screening: Regular tuberculosis screenings are a vital part of staying healthy as you age, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of this infectious disease.
- HIV Screening: HIV screening is a simple blood test that helps detect the virus early, allowing for prompt treatment and better management of the condition.
- Lyme Disease Evaluation: Through careful examination and testing, a Lyme disease evaluation assists in differentiating Lyme disease from other similar conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
- Independent Educational Evaluation: For seniors facing unexpected learning or memory changes, an independent educational evaluation can uncover the underlying causes and guide the selection of appropriate therapies and support services.
- Skin Screenings: As part of your comprehensive senior care, skin screenings help prevent serious health issues by enabling early diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
- Health Screening: These check-ups help your doctor create a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs and risk factors as you age, ensuring you receive the right support at the right time.
- Prostate Cancer Screening: Regular prostate cancer screenings are a crucial part of preventive care for older men, enabling early detection and management of this common cancer.
- Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): As part of your routine checkup, a DRE helps your doctor assess the health of your prostate and identify any irregularities that may require further investigation.
- Melanoma Screening: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, melanoma screenings help your doctor monitor your skin health and address any concerning changes.
- Dementia Evaluation: Dementia evaluation helps determine the best strategies to support seniors' memory, thinking, and daily living skills as their condition progresses.
- ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: The ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test helps your doctor determine if your adrenal glands are producing enough cortisol, a crucial hormone for managing stress and overall health.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Richard Wallace is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With guidance on dietary changes and medication adjustments, a senior felt significantly less dizzy and lightheaded, regaining their confidence in navigating their home safely and comfortably.
- With the swelling in her legs significantly reduced, a woman felt much more secure navigating her home, and rediscovered the joy of taking leisurely walks in her neighborhood.
- After careful management of her heart disease, a senior felt more confident and secure at home, able to enjoy her favorite hobby of walking in the park without discomfort.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Richard Wallace:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. Wallace and our practice are uniquely suited to care for seniors because we often follow patients through their entire lives. This allows us to have a deep understanding of their health history and manage chronic conditions effectively. We are your trusted primary care partner, coordinating all aspects of your care.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- During your annual wellness visit with Dr. Wallace, we'll partner to review your medications, perform a physical exam, assess memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer checks. This is a key opportunity to set health goals together.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. Wallace, please write down your top health questions, bring a list of all your medications (including over-the-counter), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best possible support for your health.
- How do you handle referrals to specialists like a cardiologist or an orthopedist?
- Dr. Wallace acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team. If a specialist like a cardiologist or orthopedist is needed, he will not only make the referral but also coordinate care to ensure all treatments are seamlessly integrated.
- Can I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, you can absolutely come in for urgent issues like a fall, bad cold, or UTI. Dr. Wallace and our staff are here to care for you, and knowing your health history and medications allows for the best possible treatment. We can handle these common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. Wallace's practice partners with patients to safely manage multiple medications. We conduct regular medication reviews to check for interactions, simplify regimens when possible, and ensure every prescription is still needed and effective.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. Wallace works with patients to create a personalized management plan, coordinating care for multiple chronic conditions. This plan includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to help prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life.
Bayside Urgent Care Center
1001 S Fort Harrison Ave Ste 101
Clearwater FL 33756
Phone: (727) 242-9185
Dr. Richard Wallace, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1275586448
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Medicine like Dr. Richard Wallace are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.